TONIGHT AT THE BK: THE FIDDLE OF MARVIN BREDEMEIER, THE COMEDY & SINGING OF CALVIN COOLEDGE AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!!

How surprised we were when we walked thru the doors of the BK Lounge (or to be specific - the Burger King at 95th & Quivera Rd. in Lenexa, KS) and spotted Marvin Bredemeier over in the corner tuning up his fiddle and wife Norma (or Sug as she is commonly known as) at a nearby table.  Marvin explained that he and Gordon Riley go way back and that Gordon had invited him to come out and play with the Tuesday night gang.  We just knew we were in for some great fiddle music and Marvin certainly didn't disappoint as he started tonight's session off with "Boil That Cabbage Down," "Orange Blossom Special" and later teamed up with Gordon and the band on "Dueling Banjos" (or the theme from "Deliverance"), "Yakity Sax," and with Bill Clark on harmonica, "Black Mountain Rag."  Larry Dean, who we enjoyed so much at Annie's Country Jubilee last Saturday, tonight did a wonderful job singing the Billy Joe Shaver written "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal," Hag's "Big River," Jimmy Rodger's "California Blues," "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "If I'm A Fool For Leavin'" and Ricky Skagg's "Highway Forty Blues." 

We just happen to be listening to Larry's CD "Songs For The Common Man" as we are writing this and notice that not only is the CD well mastered and produced, but also features three songs ("Out Of My Mind," "Let's Go Fishin'," & "Rainy Day Off") that were written by friend Garry Bichelmeyer!  This group has oodles and oodles of talent and the session is open to the public every Tuesday night from 6-9PM, contributions via the tip jar are appreciated.  And speaking of Garry Bichelmeyer, he did a super job as well tonight, singing a couple more songs he wrote, "Nodaway River" and "Marie" as well as "Could You Catch A Falling Star" and "Kansas City."  Wife Mary Bichelmeyer, the group's bass player, used her smooth, mellow voice on "Satin Sheets," "Bill Bailey" and "Crazy Arms" for the appreciative crowd.  Bill Clark lent his considerable talents to playing harmonica, singing and playing rhythm guitar and was featured on "Wildwood Flower," and  "My Window Faces The South."

Sandy Barnett was on hand tonight and did a bang-up job singing "Truck Driving Man" and Jimmy Dickens' "I'm Little But I'm Loud" (she does this so well!) and our favorite singing railroad engineer, Larry Keeler did  wonderful with "Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello" and "Folsom Prison Blues."  It was super seeing Annie Little back in town from a short vacation and hearing her sing "Somewhere Between" and "Out Of My Mind."  And....it's always great seeing local comedian Calvin Cooledge (who sings extremely well to boot) and tonight, after he told a couple of side-splitters. treated everyone to Marty Robbins' "White Sport Coat" and Roger Miller's "Kansas City Star."  Calvin in turn introduced Jessica Bichelmeyer, who it turns out, is a cousin of Garry & Mary Bichelmeyer. Talent must run deep in this family.  Jessica, from nearby Shawnee, did an outstanding job singing Crystal Gayle's "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" and Patsy Cline's "Crazy."  Before closing tonight's session with the customary "Goodnight Irene," Larry Dean & Sharon Welch treated the crowd to the gospel song "I'll Fly Away."  (Below) Calvin Cooledge, Marvin Bredemeier & Larry Dean entertain the crowd at the BK Lounge

 

 

ANNIE'S COUNTRY JUBILEE - TONIGHT IT WAS ANNIE'S TRIBUTE TO CONNIE SMITH & THE GREAT VOCALS OF LARRY DEAN

It was a perfect evening as we picked up our Aunt Bernice and headed towards Tonganoxie, KS, just west of the NASCAR track on 40 Highway (or straight out State Ave.)  to Annie's Country Jubilee, 4th & Main Sts.  We left a little early, as we knew about the construction on State Ave., but we didn't need to worry, traffic was somewhat light and we arrived plenty early.  We've written about the spaceous new lobby and restrooms that are such a welcome addition here at the Jubilee theatre, but tonight we were surprised to see the new balcony at the rear of the theatre (actually only a step up from the main floor) completed, and full of comfortable seating.  This of course, made an idyllic setting for a great show and Annie Dunavin opened the festivities by urging everyone to "Come On In, Sit Right Down And Make Yourself At Home!"

Fred Uzzell and his steel guitar started the evening off with the "Nashville Bounce" and later played "Dream" beautifully while pretty Ronni Ward sang "The Bed You Made For Me," "Desperado," "Don't It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue" and "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman."  Emcee and country troubadour Jim Winters welcomed everyone and delighted the big crowd, singing Ray Price's "Deep Water" and "I Won't Mention It Again" and later "Diana," George Strait's "As Long As It's You" and "I Don't Mind If I Do."  Jim introduced Pat Pierce who was playing keyboard tonight.  Pat got the joint jumpin' with "Boogie Back To Texas" and later "The House Of Blue Lights."  Bill Larson, who sat in at drums tonight also did a great job singing "The Other Woman" for the appreciative crowd and Marvin Bredemeier was just fantastic as he sang and fiddled the Charlie Daniels classic "The Devil Went Down To Georgia."  We always look forward to hearing the incredible guitar work by band leader and lead guitarist David George whenever we visit Annie's.  Tonight, David treated everyone to "New Light Motor Inn," "Black Mountain Rag" and Eric Clapton's "Tears In Heaven." 

We've known tonight's special guest Larry Dean for some time now and have always been impressed with his vocal talents, but in this venue and backed by these fantastically talented musicians, it was almost like we were hearing him for the first time -- again!  We thought Larry did a great job picking his numbers and the audience evidently agreed as he sang Merle Haggard's "I Had A Beautiful Day," Jimmy Rodgers' "California Blues," "Down Deep," Randy Travis' "1982," Gene Watson's "If I'm A Fool For Leavin'" and George Jones' "I Always Get Lucky With You."  Judging from this performance, these folks will be seeing more of Mr. Larry Dean (below)

Connie Smith has always been one of our favorite country performers and we last saw her, in person, at Byron Jones' Northtown Opry about three years ago.  Luckily, we had the opportunity to visit with her afterward and she proved to be as gracious as she was talented.  We thought Annie's tribute to Connie Smith was extraordinary.  It was not only that familiar twinge of huskiness, that expressive twang, but the big voice, the emotion and confidence that is always reminicent of Connie; it was all there!  For certain it wasn't an easy matter singing chart-busters such as "I'll Come Running," "Then And Only Then," "If I Talk To Him," "Cincinnati, Ohio," "Once A Day," "Nobody But A Fool," "Cry, Cry, Cry," "If It Ain't Love" and "Run Away Little Tears" due to Connie's wide vocal range and richness, but Annie pulled it off without a hitch.  It was an unbelievable performance, with the band deserving a lot of the credit as well.  Fred Uzzell closed the show playing "Amazing Grace" on his dobro and mandolin.  Thanks to David George & Annie for their kind comments concerning this website.  It's a labor of love and we so much appreciate your kindness, hospitality and most of all -- your friendship.  (Below) Annie Dunavin's tribute to Connie Smith

 

 

TONIGHT IT'S SHERRY'S OUTPOST IN LEAVENWORTH WITH DON SPAIN & TRUE COUNTRY

If there's anything better than country music, it's country music AND good food and both can be found in abundance every 3rd Friday night at Sherry's Outpost, located at 1709 Metropolitan in Leavenworth, KS.  The music is supplied by soon-to-be-inducted traditional country music hall of famer and mouth-organist Don Spain and his band, True Country.  Marshall Haill from Leavenworth handled a lot of the vocal chores this evening and played rhythm, while our talented friend Gordon Riley played his usual outstanding lead guitar.  Scotty Brezgiel, who does such a wonderful job with the local KOFPS chapter and the Heritage Center here in Leavenworth, played some super fiddle while Garry (rhythm guitar, banjo) and Mary (bass) Bichelmeier played wonderfully and helped out on vocals as well.  The food?  Well, suffice to say that it's almost too good!  Sherry always runs several specials: steaks, grilled pork chops, seafood, etc.  We opted for the all-you-can-eat, never-frozen, bursting out of the shell, BIG boiled shrimp at $14.95 and included a huge baked potato with all the fixin's and a choice of soup or salad!  What a deal!

Tonight was a special one for Don Spain and his wife Maria as her nephew and his family were visiting from Germany.  As well as the many other songs he played here tonight ("Are You Teasing Me," "Alabama Jubilee," "High Mountain Girl Rag," "Lorena" and many others), Don played and sang "Blaue Nacht" (or "Jealous Heart") in German for the visitors.  Another surprise was local Tim Daniels stopping by for a short while and playing twin fiddles with Scotty Brezgiel on "Faded Love" & "Red Wing."  Scotty also treated everyone to some great fiddling with "Boil That Cabbage Down," "Devil's Dream," and "Waltz Of The Wind."  It's always enjoyable to hear Garry Bichelmeier pick his guitar or banjo and sing and tonight it was "Catch A Falling Star," "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend," "Storms Never Last," "No, It's Not Love, But It's Not Bad," John Denver's "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" and with wife Mary, "Walk The Way The Wind Blows."  Mary, who we think has a unique, soft but smooth voice, sang some crowd favorites: "Your Cheating Heart," "Some Broken Hearts Never Mend," "Bill Bailey" and "Crazy Arms."  Marshall Haill got a nod of appreciation as he sang "Fraulein" in honor of the visitors and a round of applause as he sang ""I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink," "You Ain't Nothin But A Hound Dog," "Miles & Miles Of Texas" and "Wooden Heart."  He brought his wife, Jo up during the second half and she did quite well, singing "Take These Chains From My Heart" and "Walking After Midnight."  

Of course, the man who makes all of this work is Gordon Riley and his magical lead guitar.  Gordon kept everything together and soloed on a couple of tunes he created as well as "On The Banks Of The Ohio," one of our favorites.  The band closed the evening with "I Saw The Light" with Marshall, Garry & Mary on vocals.  What an extraordinary evening!  (Below)  Mr. Don Spain and his mouth harp

 

 

THE HERITAGE CENTER PRESENTS

MOTION

With Special Guest Dave Bryant

Gospel -- Oldies -- Country

Friday August 31st - 7-9:30 (doors open at 6 PM)

Sandwiches, Homemade Desserts, Drinks available for purchase

$10 Donation (all proceeds benefit the Heritage Center)

Call 682-2122 for ticket information - tables of 6 or more may be reserved

GREAT MUSIC AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT By A Popular Local Family Group

109 Delaware -- Leavenworth, Kansas

WE VISIT HARRY'S COUNTRY CLUB IN KANSAS CITY'S FAMED RIVER MARKET AREA

The River Market Area of downtown Kansas City, MO (formerly known as the River Quay) is enjoying a remarkable revival these days and no single establishment could serve as a better example than Harry's Country Club & Bar at 112 Missouri Ave., just north of I-70.  Our friends Marvin & Norma (Sug) Bredemeier invited us down as he was going to "sit in" with Pat "Tater" Irvin's group.  Marvin told us he especially wanted us to hear Russ Weaver's steel guitar work as he is, without a doubt, one of the best players in the country.  Russ was just incredible as Marvin promised, (he's only in town for a few days as he's touring with the Patsy Cline & Hank Williams "Lonesome Highway" shows), especially when he took the reins on "Rose Of San Antoine."  The after work crowd were still there when we arrived about 6:30 PM, but after only 10 minutes or so, they found us comfortable seating at a corner table near the stage.  Harry's has an adjacent outside stage & seating area, but as the temperatures have been in the upper 90's, they opted to play inside tonight.    Pat or "Tater" as he is known as, had the brunt of the vocal work here tonight and we thought he was marvelous as he did a great job on songs such as "Walk Out Backwards," a Sara Evans tune, Waylon Jennings' "Rainy Day Woman," John Connlee's "Backside Of Thirty," Johnny Cash's "Walk The Line" & "Home Of The Blues," George Jones' "Walk Thru This World With Me," Gene Watson's "Farewell Party," Vern Gosdin's "Set 'Em Up Joe," "Dim Lights, Thick Smoke & Wild, Wild Music" and many, many more.  We hadn't heard Carl Butler play before, but were very impressed with his lead guitar work.  He also treated everyone to a few vocals, singing Hag's "Swinging Doors" and the Ray Price hit "The Other Woman."  A.J. Cronk, who plays electric bass at Middle Creek Opry in Louisburg, tonight did a fine job on the doghouse bass and later played a little rhythm and lead to boot.  The drummer tonight was none other than Bill Larson from Byron Jones' Northtown Opry.  Wife Angie and son Chris were in the audience as well tonight and Chris proved he's a chip off the old block as he spelled Dad for a couple of tunes behind the drums.  Bill's group "Off The Record" will be playing here at Harry's this coming Friday, August 17th.  Come down and listen to some great country!  Also in the audience tonight were Bill & Brenda Harris of the Middle Creek Theatre and Bobby DeMoss, their fine steel player and his wife.  Carla Weaver, Russ' wife surprised us by doing a beautiful job singing "Your Cheating Heart," "Crazy" and Patty Loveless' "Blame It On Your Heart."

Marvin Bredemeier's fiddle playing was a real highlight of the evening.  We especially liked the solo he played on "Kaw-Liga" tonight and we enjoyed visiting with him and "Sug."  They have good food here at Harry's; we can attest to that and good cold, ice tea for you non-drinkers.  We had a great time here tonight and can't wait to do it again sometime.  (Below) Top: Harry's Country Club & Bar  Bottom: The band featuring Russ Weaver on steel & Marvin Bredemeier on fiddle plays "Sweet Georgia Brown"

 

 

 

A NICE EVENING AT THE BK AND A COUPLE OF VISITORS

It's been so hot and muggy we thought twice about making it out to the BK tonight, but decided to go ahead since it's always nice and cool inside and there wasn't much happening elsewhere.  Suprisingly, the lot was almost full when we got there and we took the last parking space in back.  You would think that folks would be a little subdued because of the high temps and humidity, but such was not the case tonight, as these folks were whooping and hollering and dancing in the aisles as Larry Dean started the evening off with "I Had A Beautiful Time," T.G. Shepard's "I Loved 'Em All," and later "I'd Be A Fool To Leave, But Twice The Fool To Stay," "House Of Blue Lights," Conway's "Hello Darlin'," "Wake Up," a great job on a couple of Gene Watson tunes: "14 Carat Mind" & "Pick The Wildwood Flowers" and an R&R medley, "Shake Rattle & Roll/Teddy Bear."  For those of you who haven't heard, Larry will be appearing at Annie's Country Jubilee this Saturday night alongside Annie Dunavin who will be doing her tribute to Connie Smith.  It most assuredly will be a sell-out, so make your reservations NOW if you haven't already done so!

Mary Bichelmeyer used her smooth, soft voice to sing crowd favorites "Crazy Arms," "Blue Kentucky Girl," "Bill Bailey," "Oh, Lonesome Me" and "Walking After Midnight" while husband Garry Bichelmeyer got the fingers snappin' and the feet shufflin' with "I'm In The Jailhouse Now," "Ballad Of Jed Clampett (Beverly Hillbillies theme song), Nodaway River (which Garry wrote) and "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."  The band, with Gordon Riley on lead guitar, Lou Moore on drums and others, played some terrific instrumentals here tonight as well including "Gordon's Boogie #2," "Buckaroo," "Red Wing," "Honky Tonk" and "Just Because" as well as "Faded Love," which featured Bill Clark on the harmonica.  We hadn't had the pleasure of meeting Sandy Davison, who did a super job singing "Let Me Be There" and "Silver Threads And Golden Needles, but hope we hear more from her.  Tonight's big surprise was KC funnyman Calvin Cooledge's appearance.  We always enjoy hearing those great one (or two) liners and Calvin sings a mean song too!  Tonight it was "I Can't Stop Loving You," "You've Got Me Singing The Blues" and Roger Miller's "King Of The Road."  Tonight's session closed in the usual manner:  Everyone joining in the singing of "Goodnight Irene!"  (Below) Calvin Cooledge & Larry Dean sharing a light moment.

 

 

SPRING HILL JAM: A TASTY POT LUCK AND LOTS OF PICKIN', SINGIN', FIDDLIN' & DANCIN'

We can't even begin to pay justice to all the wonderful food these folks bring in for this great get-together twice a month, but let it suffice to say, it's always a super feed and always more than I can turn down.  And who can blame me.  With all the great meat loafs, cassaroles, salads and sandwiches to say nothing of the oodles of pies and chocolate cakes, who could resist?  Our hats are off to all those who prepared and brought all the wonderful food in (we took the easy route - a tray of meat and cheese) and helped make this such a wonderful evening.  The program this evening started with Bill Isenhower singing and picking George Strait's "Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind," Hag's "Big City" and Randy Travis' "Pickin' Up Bones" while Lois White followed, singing and playing her mandolin with "There's An Old Log Cabin For Sale" and "A Jewel Here On Earth, A Jewel In Heaven."  Eldon Morrison sang "Now And Then There's A Fool Such As I" and "In My Father's House" while Betty Miller did a terrific job, pounding out "Help Me Make It Thru The Night," "Hello, My Ragtime Gal," "Last Dance" and "Oh, Them Golden Slippers" on the piano.  Earl Bradshaw gave it his best on "Heart's Bouquet" and "Tear Drops Are Pennies" while our friend Jim Keeney did great, singing and picking Waylon's "Are The Good Times Really Over For Good?," Willie Nelson's "A Moment Isn't Very Long" and "Fraulein."  Sylvia Landis used her beautiful voice on "Stand By Your Man" and "A Mansion Over The Hill Top" while husband Eldon Landis showed the crowd what guitar playing was all about with "Nine Pound Hammer" and "Precious Jesus Hold My Hand."  We always enjoy hearing Bill Owens sing and he didn't disappoint us this evening with the Waylon/Jesse classic "Storms Never Last," "Living On Love" and "Wish I Could Be 30 Again."  Julie Graham was on hand to sing a couple of hymns, "Blessed Assurance" and "Come Home" while the multi-talented Dale Endicott picked and sang "Blue Bonnet Land" and the Earl Montgomery/Sue Richards classic "Let's All Go Down To The River."  Rich Blanton, who has had some serious health problems lately, neverless was here this evening and played an old fiddle tune "Down Hill Drag" we weren't familiar with and sang "Blue" and "Condemn Without Tryin'."  The singing engineer, Larry Keeler did his usual fine job singing "Nickels And Dimes" and "Folsom Prison Blues" while Lee Baldwin proved he was no slouch on the guitar himself as he did a beautiful job playing "From A Jack To A King," and "Deep Water."  Stan Small sang a tribute of "Precious Memories" in honor of member Richard Funk who was recently killed in a tragic accident.  Richard & wife Dorothy were fixtures on the dance floor here, always wearing matching outfits. Stan mentioned that they would, without exception, always request this second song he sang: "Power In The Blood."  A card was passed around for everyone to sign.  Our condolences and warm wishes go out to Dorothy and the rest of the family.  Richard will be sorely missed. 

Jim Chaney did a terrific job singing and picking "I Forgot To Remember To Forget Her" and "Sugar Moon" and Chuck Yates traded in his bass and proved he can pick with the best in the business with "Under The Weeping Willow" and "Hideaway."  We took several pictures this evening and all of these outstanding musicians deserved to be pictured here today, but we thought we would make an exception and feature a couple of dancers for a change.  This couple were the first on the dance floor this evening and were the last to leave. (Below) Mr. George Christianson and Shirley Cunningham.  Mr. Christianson is 93 years young and both hail from Olathe, KS

 

 

RHONDA VINCENT NEWS!!
Be sure to "Join The Journey" at www.rhondavincent.com!  Rhonda invites everyone to "Join The Journey" as she creates the next studio project!
From choosing the songs, to the finished CD, Rhonda will offer behind
the scenes stories, photos and videos of the recording process.  Just click on the "Join The Journey" link at rhondavincent.com!
 

AN ENTERTAINING NIGHT AT DIRKS AND A VISIT WITH "FIDDLIN" MARVIN BREDEMEIER

We've been trying to hook up with Marvin Bredemeier and his wife Norma (or Sug as she is commonly known as) for a little visit/interview and when we decided that Wednesday would work for both of us, there was no question about where to meet: we opted for Dirks and the chance to see Mike O'Roark and the "Nitty Gritty Dirks Band." Circumstances worked out beautifully as the room was full of opry-goers, many of whom we recognized and the incredibly talented Jeff Elsloo (Green Side Up, etc.) was on hand as well with his dobro and 5-string banjo.  We asked Marvin to bring his fiddle along and of course Mike asked him to join himself, C.J. Sanders on bass, Don Wiser on drums, Roger Brough on lead and harmonica and Jeff for their set. 

Marvin Bredemeier was born in Norborne, MO, a small town of about 750 people, just north of Lexington, MO in February of 1937.  The family moved to Kansas City in 1941 (about the time of Pearl Harbor) and his dad went to work at the Sheffield Steel plant and actually retired from there after 31 or so years.  "My mom played guitar and accordian, but Dad played the fiddle!" Marvin told us.  "I always, since I can remember, wanted to play the fiddle.  And he taught me a little and I could play some on his, but it was awfully big.  They bought me a 3/4 size one from a cousin who had given up the 'violin,' so I played that one until I quickly outgrew it, then played my dad's fiddle.  The first song he taught me was 'Father Takes Me On His Knee' and he taught me a couple more as well and one day he told me, "Marvin, I'll give you a dollar for every tune you learn to play."  Of course he was only making about 85 cents an hour in those days and when he came home the next day, I told him I had learned 4 songs!  He told me he hated to back out of the deal but at that rate, I was making more money than he was!"

With the encouragement of family and friends like Bill & Ruby Lynn, Marvin began playing with local bands like the Kansas City Canaries & the Westport Kids (they did a Today Show segment from the American Royal and later a telethon with comedian Joe E. Brown) and over the years he played the Brush Creek Follies, The Cowtown Jubilee, The Tidwell Jamboree (all three shows were always sell-outs!) as well as radio appearances on WHB, KIMO, KCMO and WDAF. It was about this time that Marvin met the love of his life, Norma Jean or "Sug," as she was called by family and friends.  "I used to play with a guy by the name of Herb Hoflicker and we were playing with a band out of Wisconsin, Maggie & Scotty and the Two Cowboys.  We were the openers for the comedy act, Homer & Jethro, who were almost as funny as Mike O'Roarke!  When we came back from the tour, Herb introduced me to Sug.  Herb kept telling me when we were touring, "You're really gonna like Norma (Sug).  And of course, he was right, I really did."  Marvin & Sug were married in 1959 when he was doing the Jimmy Dallas show and were married in a church instead of on TV as Jimmy had wanted.  They made an appearance on-air just after the wedding, resplindent in her white wedding gown, he in his tuxedo.   "Not long after," Marvin recalled "Jimmy Dallas moved to KMBC and I backed up greats like George Jones, Norma Jean (the singer), Buck Owens, Cowboy Copus, Skeeter Davis and many others.  I was also involved in 'behind the scenes' work at various radio stations and one of my close friends was 'Cactus Jack' McCall, a popular disc jockey in those days.  Jack was killed in an automobile accident on his way to work one morning and since he had no insurance, it was decided to hold a memorial  concert to help his family.  Hap Peebles ramrodded the show which was held at Kansas City, KS's Memorial Hall. After a celebration at the Town House Hotel in downtown KCK, we dropped all the Nashville stars off at Municipal Airport.  Of course, that plane. a Cessna 210, tragically crashed in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, killing Patsy Cline, Cowboy Copus, Hawkshaw Hawkins and Randy Hughes." 

Marvin worked for many other noteworthy stars after that including Kenny Price, Little Jimmy Dickens and Joe Stampley when he had a bluegrass band called the Back Porch Gang, and as a member of Hank Thompson's Brazos Valley Boys played Las Vegas, the Lincoln Center in New York City, Bob Wells' old hangout - Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa and many other venues for over 4 years.  He was also with Hank in Muskogee when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.  "I recently played with Hank in West Plains, MO which was like old times."  I asked Marvin how he ended up playing at Annie's in Tonganoxie, KS.  "I had played so many country shows around the area that my name had gotten around and Glen Smith, who had a place called Glen's Opry called me and asked if I would come out and play fiddle once in awhile.  He wouldn't have me every week, but occasionally and would feature me on a few songs and I would back up the other folks in the band as well.  This went on for a year or 18 months and this was about the time that Annie and Terry Dunavin bought the show.  At first they would alternate, having a piano player one week, someone else another and maybe me the next.  My spots got to be more frequent and finally Annie went to the band and asked them if maybe I shouldn't become a regular.  I feel really blessed to work with this caliber of musicians and be in the family atmosphere we work in.  Several months ago, I was involved in an accident near Oskaloosa, KS on the way to play with the band.  Our van was so badly damaged, we weren't able to fix it and couldn't really afford a new one.  David George and the rest of the gang organized a benefit, donating their talent, use of the theatre and all, letting fans in for free, letting them donate what they cared to and it helped so much that we have been able to get another van.  The musicians and crew; the great fans.....they're just the best ever!"  We think the same might be said about Marvin Bredemeier, the little man with the big heart laced with a gigantic dose of talent and ability!!!!  (Below) Mike O'Roark & Marvin Bredemeier

Tonight's festivities kicked off featuring Jeff Elsloo's terrific dobro playing and Marvin's fiddle work on "Wabash Cannonball" and we haven't ever heard it done much better.  Then it was Mike O'Roark doing a terrific job on Tom T. Hall's "The Day That Clayton Delaney Died," "Roustabout," the whimscal "Squaws Along The Yukon." "Wild Side Of Life," "Rose Of San Antone," "Try It One More Time With Feeling" and "Mailman" which had the place screaming with laughter.  After "Maybelline," C. J. Sanders sang "Home Grown Tomatoes" and "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" featured some outstanding picking by Jeff Elsloo on his five-string banjo.  Mike sang some beautiful selections from his gospel album, "The Baptism of Jessee Taylor," "Walking In Jerusalem," and "Crying Holy Unto The Lord," then sang "Muhlenberg County" and his signature song, "Freeborn Man."  Marvin closed the set with some high-class fiddlin' on the "Orange Blossom Special."  We also enjoyed seeing "Doc" Fuller whom we had heard so much about from Mike, pick and sing here tonight.  He and CJ Sanders picked some great guitar while singing "Do I Feel High," "That's A Step In The Right Direction," "Walking The Floor Over You," "A Six Pack To Go," "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Gone At Last."  Great job, all.  This was an outing I wished we could have recorded for all of the folks that couldn't make it.  Thanks to everyone that participated this evening.

TWO NIGHTS OF BLUEGRASS AT THE BLUEGRASS BARN
The Martins & The Faris's
Two nights of Bluegrass Music and fun!
At the Bluegrass Barn
Ozawkie, KS
Friday & Saturday night  August 10 - 11 2007
Admission $10.00
For $14.00 you can come see the show both nights
For more information call - 573-876-2347 or email farisband@yahoo.com

For more information go to...
www.bluegrassbarn.homestead.com

www.bluegrassmartins.com       www.farisband.com

Hope to see you all there!